Blue Sapphire stone also known as Neelam Ratna, is a variety of corundum mineral family. The stone has a captivating deep blue color and its rich blue tone is unparalleled and alluring. This stone is quite desirable and is one of the most beautiful and expensive gemstones in the world. This precious stone have been loved for its beauty and rarity and is highly used to make jewellery.
But what makes it different, what sets the blue sapphire gemstone apart from the other precious stones? What makes it more expensive and desirable than the others, we will discuss it in this blog post.
Key Characteristics of Blue Sapphire
To know why the natural Neelam stone is different and more valuable than the other precious stones, we need to discuss the major characteristics of this gem:
Color – The most striking feature of this gemstone is its dark blue hue that comes from the presence of its trace elements iron and titanium. This color is unique to this stone and hence it is loved.
Hardness – The hardness of blue sapphire is 09 on the Mohs scale which makes it quite a durable gemstone. Just next to the diamond, it is the second gemstone which is the most hardest.
Cut & Clarity – Blue sapphire stones are high-quality stones that are valued for their clarity and transparency. These stones sometimes also show the star effect which is why they are called the Star sapphires.
Rarity & Demand – Blue sapphire are one of the oldest precious gemstones known to mankind, they are rare and because of their demand, they are always in demand.
Blue Sapphire vs Diamond
Diamonds are the hardest stones and traditional jewels but blue sapphires have a distinct appeal. The diamonds are colourless, even when they are coloured, the blue diamonds do not have the dark deep blue as the blue sapphires.
The blue of the Neelam stones is unique and rare and cannot be seen in any other gemstone. Plus, these gems with of high quality are more rare.
Symbolism: The Neelam stones are the symbols of loyalty and are said to bring its wearer success, name and fame. On the other hand, diamonds are a symbol of commitment and are believed to bring love.
Blue Sapphire vs Ruby
Another precious gemstone is Ruby which is also a rare gemstone. Both the Neelam and ruby stones are from the corundum mineral family but the difference in their color is because of the tracing element. Rubies get their red from the presence of chromium while the sapphire gets their blue from iron and titanium.
The sapphire blue is loved for the cornflower blue color while the most desirable ruby color is the pigeon blood.
Astrological Significance – The ruby is ruled by the sun while the ruling planet of Neelam is Saturn or Shani dev.
Pricing – High-quality rubies are often more expensive than blue sapphires because of their rarity and demand. But for engagement rings blue sapphire is more in demand since Princess Diana chose a blue sapphire engagement ring for herself.
Blue Sapphire vs Emerald
Emeralds are also precious gemstones that are highly loved all over the world for their lush green color. It is a popular choice of necklaces but this gemstone is not as durable as the blue sapphires. The hardness of the emeralds is around 7.5 to 8 and so they are more prone to scratches and chipping and require more care. They need to be carefully mounted in jewellery settings.
Symbolism & Astrological Significance – The Emerald, the stone of Mercury is the symbol of fertility, growth and communication. They are mostly chosen when people want to enhance their communication skills and creativity.
Conclusion
Blue Sapphire precious gemstone is loved for its beauty, rarity and symbolism. Though, its value is high because of its hue, astrological significance and traditional value. Embracing this blue gemstone will bring you success, mental clarity and wisdom. It will also maintain your physical and emotional health, but to gain all the benefits of the Neelam stone, make sure you are wearing an original one. Buy it from a reputable seller like Navratan, the online gem bazaar, where you will get authentic and lab-certified gemstones only. You can also get your gemstone jewellery customized.
